Military Spouse of the Day: Kara Jacobs

Introducing Kara Jacobs, an Army spouse, who is currently stationed in Kansas with her husband and family. Her best experience with military life has been the life-saving health insurance, TRICARE. She says, “We may have to jump through hoops from time to time to get what we need, but in the end, it is all worth it.” Kara has a son with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), and without TRICARE, Kara says she has no idea how they would be able to afford all his doctor visits, therapies, tests, and equipment. The biggest special needs obstacle that her family has overcome was their fundraising efforts for a wheelchair accessible vehicle that could help their son. Fortunately, their community stepped up and provided the Jacobs’ with enough funds to afford and purchase their much-needed van. Kara says the way she de-stresses and takes care of herself is by hanging out with friends and family. Laughter truly is the best medicine and she loves to be around people who don’t take life too seriously. Kara also says that she makes sure she is taking care of herself by seeing her psychologist at least twice a month. She says, “I have no shame in that. It’s amazing how 60 minutes of talking to a non-biased person, who is on a mission to help you, can do for my mental stability. It’s so hard raising a terminally ill child. The rollercoaster of emotions that I deal with daily are more than what anyone should have to handle alone.” And finally, Kara’s best advice to new special needs families in the military is to reach out. There are so many programs out there to help that not a lot of people know that exist. Find a support group if you need it. Kara says, “Most importantly, take care of you. No matter what that means. Don’t let your pride hold you back and don’t let others keep you from getting the help you need.”

The Military Special Needs Network honors and salutes Kara Jacobs, our Military Spouse of the Day. We thank you for being such a wonderful military spouse and an amazing advocate.

A site to discuss and learn about TRICARE Philippines Policies and Issues that are often times implemented in secret by the Defense Health Agency (DHA). Policies that result in payments at about 7.7% and 3.8% of what they should be or $328 per under 65 person instead of the expected $4,261 & $328 per over 65 person instead of the expected $8,650.